Constipation & Laxative Usage

 

 

What exactly is constipation? Well, the definition is simple- constipation is one very common condition which occurs when bowel movements become difficult or less frequent. It could be very difficult to tell what exactly normal bowel movement is because the length of time between bowel movements ranges widely from person to person. However, experts agree that going longer than three days without a bowel movement is too long and could cause problem because the stool become harder and more difficult to pass. In this case- people often decide to use the laxatives- medications that help increase the frequency of bowel movements! In most of the cases- they are extremely useful, but –not with no side effects! Some of those side effects are even life-threatening and require urgent medical intervention!

 

 

Well, there are some diagnostic criteria which could help you to tell if you are suffering from constipation or not! If you have two or more of the following for at least 3 months- you are considered constipated!

·         Incomplete evacuation more than 25% of the time or the sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation.

·         Straining during a bowel movement more than 25% of the time spent in toilet

·         Two or even less bowel movements in a week

·         Hard stools more than 25% of the time

 

Several studies done in the past have proven that this condition is most common in children and older people, and affects women more than men. What is the reason- no one really knows. Experts are also saying that, not only that it affects more women than man- but one in 200 women have severe, continuous constipation which is considered to be a real threat to health! The pregnancy and before a period are moments when constipation problems usually begin!  

We should also know that more than 6 million people in the UK have problems with constipation. In most cases-constipation isn't the only problem- usually patients also suffer from hemorrhoids or anal fissure.

 

What are the symptoms of constipation? Is it common disorder?  Well, if it make you any easier- the fact is that constipation is one of the most common digestive complaints of all. Constipation can be a sign of several different more serious disorders but in most cases- it is simply caused by a low fiber diet or dehydration. All this would make stool hard and a lot more difficult to pass the bowel.

What is normal frequency of bowel movements? Well, no one could answer you that question! Experts are simply saying that there are wide variations in toilet frequency as long as this does not cause any other symptoms. This is because, this is rather an individual problem because it depends mostly on our own dietary habits, exercise, fluid intake, and various other factors…

In common constipation, the stool is hard and difficult to pass. Big problem is that when patients strain to pass stool –it may cause hemorrhoids and anal fissures to appear which additionally complicates the condition. Beside this- there could be no symptoms what so ever! The fact is also that, in later stages of the condition, some abdominal symptoms may appear because of the abdominal distention! That’s why- most of the patients reported tenderness and cramps in the abdomen, and sometimes- loud bowel sounds. That’s why- you will understand why sometimes constipation can turn into one painful, disturbing, and somewhat embarrassing experience.

Most severe case of constipation is condition called fecal impaction! It is accompanied with common symptoms of bowel obstruction such as:

·         Vomiting

·          Very tender abdomen

·         Cramps

·         Diffuse abdominal pain

 

There are several possible causes of constipation and, beside some bowel diseases, we can affect most of them preventing this condition! Common causes of constipation include:

·         Inadequate water intake

·         Inadequate fiber in the diet

·         Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement

·         Overuse of laxatives

·         Hypothyroidism

·         A disruption of regular diet or routine seen in frequent traveling

·         Inadequate activity or exercise or immobility

·         Eating large amounts of dairy products

·         Stress

·         Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis

·         Antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum

·         Medicines

·         Depression

·         Eating disorders

·         Irritable bowel syndrome

·         Pregnancy

·         Colon cancer

 

What are the constipation treatment options? Well, the treatment also vary from patient to patient because some of them have a life-long tendency toward constipation while others tend to have occasional constipation! That’s why-it is logical to assume that, while mild and intermittent constipation is usually not a cause for concern, long-term constipation is considered to be a serious health problem! No meter how long does it last- serious constipation is also considered if it is accompanied by rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and cramps, nausea and vomiting, and involuntary weight loss and - constipation during pregnancy or while breast- feeding. Treatment for the constipation could be divided into two different aspects- drug treatment (laxatives) and drug-free treatment!

 

Like we have already mentioned- some medications, an under-active thyroid, or colon obstruction can cause serious constipation. In almost all other cases- some simple life-style modifications can help a lot! Some of the most common are:

·         Increasing fiber in the diet

Several researches done in the past have proven that dietary fibers can significantly improve bowel function by adding bulk and softening the stool. Some of the groceries that are extremely rich in fibers are all vegetables, fruits, whole grain breads, whole grain cereals, prunes, corn, whole beans, oat bran, corn, barley and many other…

·         Increasing fluid intake

It is proven that, if it isn't some serious case of constipation, simple fluid intake increase can significantly improve your chances for quick recovery!

·         Regular exercise can also help increase the frequency of bowel movements!

 

Like we all probably know- laxatives are medicines that increase the frequency of passing bowel movements. There are many types of laxatives and they come in different forms!  Although- most OTC laxatives are safe, effective, and well tolerated they also can cause several unwanted effects! 

Laxatives comes in many forms and, no meter which you choose, everyone of them could be effective same as the other! Most common forms are:

·         Tablets, capsules or granules  

·         Powders which are being mixed with water

·         An enema 

·         Suppositories 

·         Foods

·         Syrups  

 

It is important to know that there are 3 types of laxatives:

This form of laxatives work by swelling up inside bowel which helps soften the stool and by doing this- encourages bowels to move and push the stools out. They should be used 2-3 days before the fool effect!  Some of the most commonly used are:

·         Celevac  

·         Normacol

·         Bran  

·         Fybogel  

Like the name sais- they work by stimulating bowels and speeding up bowel movement. They can take about  8 to 12 hours to work. Some of the most commonly used are:

·         Co-danthrusate (Normax) 

·         Glycerol suppositories  

·         Senna (Senakot)  

·         Syrup of figs

·         Bisacodyl  

·         Docusate sodium  

These are very effective laxatives which work by drawing water into bowel making the stool much more softer and easier to pass. Some of the most commonly used are:

 Examples of these osmotic laxatives include

·         Phosphate enemas  

·         Sodium citrate

·         Lactulose syrup  

·         Macrogols  

·         Magnesium salts

·         Several researches done in the past have proven that using too much laxatives can imbalance of some important electrolytes in our body. Why is this so important? Well, electrolytes are necessary for proper functioning of nerves and muscles, including the heart muscle. This loss of electrolytes can also cause muscle cramps, tremors, spasms, irregular heartbeat, and in some cases cardiac arrest. The result is often lethal if the patient don’t report to the hospital immediately!

·         Dehidratation is also a big problem because laxatives and enemas remove needed fluid from the body. Dehidratation can lead to tremors, weakness, blurry vision, fainting spells, kidney damage, and in some cases death. That’s why- it is a condition which requires medical treatment.  

·         Experts are saying that laxatives can irritate intestinal nerve endings, which in turn stimulate muscle contractions that move the irritant through the gut and out of the body. This is of course a good thing and wanted effect! However, experiments have shown that, after some times-these nerve endings no longer respond to stimulation. This could be a big problem because, in most cases- patients become laxative dependent and without this medical stimulation may not have any bowel movements at all.

·         Patients that use laxatives are more prone to the infections! This is because the medications ripped away protective mucus that lines the colon.